Pueblo, Colo. – The Adams State Grizzlies made a statement on Day 2 of the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships, headlined by Ava O'Connor's dominant national title in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. The Grizzlies earned four All-America honors and advanced two athletes to Saturday's finals.

The day began with the women's 800 meters, where Jessica Simon and Lieke Hoogsteen both secured spots in the final. Simon posted a season-best 2:07.34 to qualify as the No. 8 seed, while Hoogsteen, an indoor bronze medalist, ran 2:08.27 for the No. 10 seed.

In the men's 800 meters, David Cardenas and Louis O'Loughlin earned second-team All-America honors. Cardenas placed 11th in 1:49.55, with O'Loughlin close behind in 13th at 1:49.76. Neither advanced to the final.

O'Connor delivered the Grizzlies' biggest moment of the day, claiming the national title with a commanding performance in the steeplechase, finishing in 10:11.14. Teammate Emily Schoellkopf followed with a personal-best 10:20.57 to earn runner-up honors, giving Adams State a 1-2 finish.

The women's 4x400-meter relay team of Alese Sartain, Simon, Isila Apkup and Hoogsteen capped the evening with a season-best 3:38.99 to finish 13th overall.

Adams State looks to carry the momentum into Day 3. The action begins with Sam Dirkes in the men's shot put at 5:05 p.m., followed by the women's 1,500-meter final at 5:35 p.m.